Lamborghini revealed the world’s first two-wheel drive Huracan model, called the Huracan LP 580-2 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Like the two-wheel drive Gallardo the new Huracan seeks to succeed, this rear-wheel LP 580-2 model is geared towards the affluent driving enthusiasts, ditching the heavy and “safe” standard all-wheel drive system for just the rear axle.

New 19-inch wheels with sticky Pirelli PZero tires bespoke to the car are only what really separate the two-wheel drive model from the standard all-wheel drive affair. Otherwise, the LP 580-2 remains rather unchanged and unmodified on the aesthetic part.

Power does change, but it’s reduced with a detuned 5.2L V10 with only 580hp and 398 lb-ft of twist, around 30hp less than the normal Huracan LP 610-4. But it also does weigh less, specifically by 72lbs, thanks to less drivetrain gear to send power to the front. Additionally, the suspension’s been tweaked for more aggressive handling with steering also being recalibrated, along with the traction and stability control systems.

The model is still slightly slower than the LP 610-4, hinting 62 MPH in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 MPH.

Sant’Agata Bolognese/LA, 17 November 2015 – Automobili Lamborghini presents the Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2: a two-wheel drive version of the Huracán coupe. Specifically designed and engineered for its rear-wheel drive set-up, the Huracán LP 580-2’s combines dynamic new looks with a package for an enhanced Lamborghini driving emotion.

“The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 continues the Lamborghini tradition of pure, visionary and technology-driven models,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The rear-wheel drive model fits perfectly into our Huracán family, appealing to those wanting an even more intense driving experience, or who currently drive other rear-wheel-drive marques and aspire to driving a Lamborghini. This is the purest expression of a Lamborghini to date, with class-leading technological refinements. It is a serious car for serious drivers: it is maximum driving fun.”

The Huracán LP 580-2 has been engineered and tuned for an essential driving experience. With its naturally aspirated V10 5.2 l engine sending 426 kW / 580 hp to the rear axle, the Huracán LP 580-2’s dry weight is just 1,389 kg, thus 33 kg lighter than the four-wheel-drive version.

Weight distribution is biased 40% at the front / 60% at the rear, reducing inertia on the front axle. An entirely new power management set-up, encompassing stiffer suspension, new steering set-up for more precise turning, and recalibrated stability and traction controls, connects the driver as directly as possible with the road. The selectable Lamborghini driving modes STRADA, SPORT and CORSA are tuned to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasizing authentic rear-wheel drive behavior.

The engaging, sporty fun of the two-wheel drive Huracán LP 580-2 perfectly complements the existing Huracán offering with the all-encompassing technology and experience of the four wheel-drive Huracán LP 610-4 and the lifestyle appeal of the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder.

Design

The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 is clearly different from its four wheel-drive stable mate. The front and rear of the Huracán LP 580-2 have been redesigned, accenting a young, fresh and more assertive look and highlighting the aeronautic styling.

Each design detail of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 celebrates the aesthetic of function; the result of a close collaboration between the Centro Stile designers and Lamborghini’s aerodynamic experts. The large, newly formed front air intakes specifically direct the cooling air and headwind to increase down pressure on the front axle. The spoiler lip at the rear works together with the rising diffuser in the underbody to improve airflow around the rear of the car – the Huracán does not require a movable rear spoiler.

The Huracán’s V10 5.2 liter naturally aspirated, mid-mounted engine has been re-engineered to provide a maximum 426 kW (580 hp) power output and 540 Nm of torque, with 75% of torque already available at 1,000 rpm.

As in the other Huracán models, the LP 580-2 features cylinder deactivation to improve engine efficiency. When full engine capacity is not required, five of the ten cylinders are temporarily deactivated by switching off one cylinder bank. When the driver accelerates, the system switches back instantaneously to ten-cylinder mode, while being virtually impossible to detect by the driver. This feature reduces fuel consumption to 11.9 l/100 km (combined circle) and CO2 to 278 g/km.

Weighing 1,389 kg dry, with a weight reduction of 33 kg over the Huracán LP 610-4 coupe, the Huracán LP 580-2 achieves a weight to power ratio of just 2.4 kg/hp. The LP 580-2 uses the Huracán’s hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber chassis, contributing to the lower weight.

With a new setup for springs and anti-roll bars on double wishbone suspension, torsional stiffness of the Huracán LP 580-2 is improved by 50% compared to the Gallardo LP 550-2.

The Lamborghini Doppia Frizione (LDF) seven-speed dual clutch architecture ensures the fastest gear changes and includes ‘launch control’ for maximum acceleration from a standing start. The electronic power steering and optional Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) have been tuned to improve the car’s agility and controllability in every driving condition, depending on driving mode and speed. New rear kinematics heighten the car’s ‘centered’ feeling.

The Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) – the Huracán’s sensor system placed in the center of gravity of the car, tracing all 3D movements – has also been implemented in the rear-wheel drive version. It provides real time information to the optional Magneto Rheological Suspension (MRS), steering and stability control systems: the ESC has been regulated to adapt to all adherence conditions yet emphasize the rear-wheel drive behavior in each driving mode.

Driving emotion – maximum enjoyment

Every aspect of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 has been engineered for driving fun, allowing drivers to interpret the feedback from the car and connect with the road or track.

The ANIMA (Adaptive Network Intelligent Management: ‘soul’ in Italian) button on the steering wheel allows the driver to adopt different driving modes, recalibrated to suit the spirit of the rear-wheel drive model. STRADA, for daily use, provides a slight understeering feedback and is traction-oriented; SPORT, is for sporty and emotional driving fun with slight oversteering behavior; and CORSA, ensures maximum performance in track mode, providing a neutral steering behavior.

Specifications, heritage and pricing

The LP 580-2 is available in the full range of Huracán external and internal colors and trims. In addition, through Lamborghini’s personalization program Ad Personam, the options for external and internal colors are limitless.

The Huracán LP 580-2 is fitted with the latest Lamborghini Infotainment System II, with a 12.3″ high resolution TFT instrument panel.